UC Irvine Can’t Hold Off Arkansas State

Arkansas State rallied to defeat UC Irvine, 71-68, Sunday in the first round of the Pepperdine women’s basketball tournament.

The Anteaters led, 32-31, at the half and went on a 14-4 scoring run to increase the lead to 46-35.

But Arkansas State was able to chip away at the Anteaters’ lead.

Jimmisa Chatman, with 8 minutes 38 seconds left to play, gave Arkansas State a 51-50 lead with two free throws and the Indians never relinquished the lead.

Julie Hagood lead Arkansas State with 20 points and teammate Tanisha Johnson had 16.

Junior Center Chelsea Mackey matched a career-best with 21 points for UC Irvine (2-6).

Brandy Hudson also scored 14 points for the Anteaters.

UC Irvine plays Youngstown State at 5 p.m. today at Pepperdine.

In nonconference women’s basketball:

Chapman 65, Patten College 46--Michelle McMillen scored 13 points, and Jilyn Smith added 12 to lead Chapman, which had nine players score.

Stephanie Flaxbeard had eight rebounds and eight points for Chapman (8-2).

Traci Bell had 15 points to lead Patten (3-8).

Oral Roberts 82, CS Fullerton 70--Kristina Naumovic had 21 points for Fullerton (2-7), which was down by 23 points at the end of the first half.